This just in from the new Presto Pasta at 2830 De La Vina St:

Local Favorite, Presto Pasta, Celebrates 20-Year Anniversary with Opening of New Location on De La Vina Street

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.,  – Presto Pasta today announced the opening of a new location at 2830 De La Vina St. in the Ralph’s shopping center next to Jensen’s Music. The ‘quick serve’ Italian restaurant owned and operated by Albert Baltieri is also celebrating 20 years of continuous operation in Santa Barbara this month.

Designed by Mark Kirkart of Design Arc, the new Presto Pasta boasts an updated contemporary look that provides diners with a peaceful, relaxed ambience. The restaurant features a beautiful reclaimed walnut communal table from Oregon, a seating banquette with a series of two-person tables, standard booth and table seating and two ‘wise-guy’ booths complete with curtains where diners can dine in private for that important wise guy meeting.

Diners can expect the same selection of value-priced Italian soups, salads and pastas served at other Presto Pasta locations, including local favorites Chicken Picatta with Fettuccine Alfredo and homemade Lasagna. Presto Pasta sources and uses only top quality ingredients including Romano and Pecorino cheeses, pasta, fresh basil and other herbs in all their dishes. All sauces and pastas are cooked fresh daily. Additionally, the new location will begin offer a selection of pizzas in the coming weeks and will offer a variety of beer and wine options once it has received its beer and wine license.

Twenty Years of Ongoing Operation

Baltieri conceived of the idea for Presto Pasta while working as a waiter at The Chase Bar and Grill owned by his aunt and uncle. At the Chase, he saw how quickly his uncle could serve home-cooked Italian food and realized that he could create a ‘fast food’ Italian restaurant. He opened the first Presto Pasta at 827 E. Montecito Street in 1992, a location in operation today.

At the time, a fast food Italian restaurant was a new and unique idea. Diners ordered at the counter and were given a number that they took to their table. When the food was ready, a server delivered the food to the table. That same service remains a trademark of the Presto Pasta restaurants and has since been freely copied by fast food Italian restaurants around the country.

About Presto Pasta and Albert Baltieri

Founded in 1992 by Albert Baltieri, Presto Pasta serves value-priced, quick serve Italian soups, salads and pastas created from top quality ingredients.  Baltieri began his restaurant career with the opening of Baltieri’s Italian Restaurant on Hollister Avenue in Goleta in the early 1980s. Shortly after opening Baltieri’s, he took over the famous Copper Coffee Pot on State Street and turned it into Aldo’s Italian Restaurant where it continues to operate today.

There are currently two Presto Pasta locations in Santa Barbara as well as additional locations in Ventura, Camarillo and Newbury Park. For more information, visit www.prestopasta.com.

This just in from Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in Paseo Nuevo:

Please alert all your readers-

Next Tuesday April 3rd the Ben & Jerry’s  at 305 Paseo Nuevo (Center Court) will celebrate Free Cone Day from 12pm to 8pm. All donations will benefit the Fighting Back Mentor Program

Every day in the USA 7 thousand students drop out of high schools- help turn this unacceptable fact into history by having a cone and helping a local program that works with students of all ages.

This just in from the Culture Shock food truck:

Hi John!

Culture Shock will be available to the public starting April 4th from 11am-2pm at 5383 Hollister @ Mentor Drive by Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital. We want to thank all our faithful customers for their patience, and look forward to seeing your familiar faces again at the curry truck!

Best,
Nirosha

Reader Andre tells me that Jungle George Grill at 5722 Calle Real in Goleta has closed. It opened in November 2008.

John,

My wife drove by Jungle George on her way back from Blenders and said she noticed paper over the window, I drove by after we closed and looked in and says “sorry we are closed” in black sharpie and looks like out of business.  Bummer, another vacant space on Calle Real. Wish them all the best in whatever endeavor they do.

Andre

A late night Sicilian-style pizzeria has opened at 17 W. Ortega St. Owner Ben Dougherty tells me that his family started Nardonne’s La Famiglia Pizzeria in San Luis Obispo in 1976 and that the Santa Barbara eatery is their second location.

Dougherty describes Sicilian-style pizza this way: “It’s a double-rise active yeast dough. We make everything to-order and it’s all made in-house with fresh ingredients. We take a lot of pride in that. When you get our pizza it is a little bit thicker but it’s a light, airy dough, closer to a focaccia bread than it would be to a tradition pizza dough which is a little thinner and denser. We cut our pizza in squares because they are thicker and with the cheese, sauce and ingredients there is no way you can get away with a pie-shaped slice of our pizza.”

I am told Nardonne’s makes their dough daily, their cheese is ground in-house and sauce is made from scratch. Dougherty tells me that their pizzas appear larger than your typical 12-18 inch pie because they use oversized pans (2 inches larger than your order) so that as they cook your pizza, which naturally shrinks in the oven, it is served the actual size you ordered.

Nardonne’s will be one of the very few restaurants open late in downtown Santa Barbara. Hours are Tue-Wed 3pm-midnight, Thu-Fri 3pm-2am, Sat noon-2am, Sun noon-midnight, Mon closed.

Brothers Matt and Jeff Nichols served their last dinner at Brothers Restaurant inside Mattei’s Tavern on Saturday, March 24th. They will need some time to pack up their pans, knives, and plates, but you can be sure that they will be ready to serve you at their new location just two blocks away: “Sides Hardware and Shoes, a Brothers Restaurant” at 2375 Alamo Pintado, Los Olivos (formerly Patrick’s) opens in April. The restaurant is named after the Sides family that ran a hardware store at that location for decades. A “side” note: rumor has it that the brothers have purchased Red Barn Steak House 3539 Sagunto St in Santa Ynez.

Sources tell me that Dennee’s Furniture at 3569 Sagunto St. in Santa Ynez will become “Ranch & Reata Road House” – a bar, a restaurant, a stage (for shows) and a radio station all under one roof. The kitchen will be run by Brian Anderson, the former Sous Chef at Matteis Tavern, serving upscale ribs & chicken.

Last Thursday I wrote that a Parisian pub named Le Relais de Paris is coming to 734 State St (formerly Ruby’s Cafe & Spirits Lounge, not to be confused with the former Ruby’s Diner is Paseo Nuevo). Sources tell me that local chef Philippe Sautot (“Events by Philippe”) will be a consultant with the project, and that it will be a mid-priced French restaurant including a long bar with copper on the top and French decor interior. The eatery opens on July 1st, 2012.

Last November, while enjoying Thanksgiving dinner, the Rumor Machine popped out a message boldly stating that a business named “Pickle and Swiss” is coming to Paseo Nuevo.

Reliable sources tell me that a business named Pickle and Swiss is indeed coming to Paseo Nuevo, that it will be a deli, and that it will be opening in May at 811 State St., the former home of Rudy’s which closed on New Years Day.

Last October I wrote that the Snack Shack is coming to 801 State St., the former home of Rocks. I stopped by over the weekend and noticed that their signs are up. I message posted in the window reads: “Fast-fresh-food. The Snack Shack is coming soon. We are excited to introduce old favorites in a new and innovative serving style. Created for those on “the go” … quality, flavor, and speed is our mission. Stay around for a cold draft Pacifico or a bottle of wine from our family owned winery.”

I was filling up at the Vons gas station in Goleta today when I noticed that the vehicle in front of me was the Culture Shock food truck. I wrote in January that they were planning to return to Santa Barbara so I walked over and spoke with owner Nirosha who tells me that the gourmet curry truck will start circulating the South Coast the first week of April.

Here are pictures from the Jordano’s 2012 Food and Equipment Show at Earl Warren Showgrounds (March 25-26).

This just in from Youth and Family Services YMCA:

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: LOCAL CHEFS CREATE AN EVENING TO REMEMBER TO BENEFIT AREA YOUTH

Reaching for Stars, the annual fundraiser supporting Youth and Family Services YMCA (YFS) will be held Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 6 pm at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club (Rockwood).

Guests will enjoy a sumptuous, multi-course dinner headed up by Valley Club chef Vincent Vanhecke and prepared by his team of Santa Barbara’s most talented and generous chefs.   Local vintners generously donate wine to pair with each menu course, and this year Gainey Vineyard will also host a pre-dinner wine tasting.   Proceeds from the event will benefit YFS programs including My Home at Artisan Court, a supportive housing program for emancipated foster youth, Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter, Street Outreach, and the Isla Vista Teen Center.

Chef Charlie Rushton from the Four Seasons Biltmore, a member of Vanhecke’s Reaching for Stars culinary team, was so moved by the young people who spoke at the event in 2011 that he wanted to do more. “Charlie approached us after last year’s Reaching for Stars event and asked ‘What else can I do to help?’”, says YFS Executive Director Lynn Karlson.  “He is now teaching monthly cooking classes for the residents at My Home, who are learning to prepare affordable, fresh and healthful meals.” The affable chef has quickly developed a rapport with the young residents, who are developing confidence in the kitchen and in life as a result of their inclusion in the My Home program. According to Karlson, “40% of foster children become homeless within six months when they emancipate at age 18.  The goal of My Home is to help prepare them for independence and end the cycle of homelessness.”

This year’s Reaching for Stars Chefs include: Alessandro Cartumini (Four Seasons Biltmore), Brandon Hughes  (Wine Cask), Brian Parks (Canary Hotel), Charlie Fredericks (SBCC) Charlie Rushton (Four Seasons Biltmore), Christine Dahl-Hutchings (Christine Dahl Pastries) Don Skipworth (Private Chef), Eric Widmer (La Cumbre Country Club), Greg Murphy (bouchon), James Sly (Sly’s), Mari Bartoli (Private Chef), Michael Blackwell (Montecito Country Club), Michael Hutchings (Michael’s Catering), Mossin Sugish (Blush), Randy Bublitz & Culinary Students (SBCC), Stephane Rapp (SBCC), Vincent Vanhecke (The Valley Club). Vanhecke is especially excited about the opportunity to include a number of young people from the Santa Barbara City College Culinary program on the chef’s team this year. “This year more than ever it is all about the kids,” says Vanhecke, “the kids at Noah’s and My Home and the Teen Center, and the kids in the kitchen helping to prepare dinner for our guests and raise money for the programs.”

“We hope the community will turn out for a great dining experience that benefits a great cause,” says Karlson. Tickets for the event are $200 and can be purchased by calling (805) 569-1103 X32. A limited number of table sponsorships are also available AT $1000-$5000. This year’s event sponsors include Venoco Inc, Steven and Marilyn Gutsche, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, Ann Jackson Family Foundation, Pete and Gerd Jordano, Joline Godfrey, BB&H Benefit Design and UCSB Student Affairs.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call 805-569-1103 X32 or visit the Youth and Family Services web site.

In January 2011 I wrote that Brendan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant of Camarillo was interested in opening a location on the South Coast. Owner Brendan Searles was a co-founder of Dargan’s. Sources tell me that Brendan’s opened a second location in Agoura Hills this month and will open a third location in Newbury Park this fall. I am also told that Searles plans to open new locations in Santa Barbara and/or Goleta in 2013.

This just in from Bistro 1111 at 1111 E. Cabrillo Blvd

Bistro 1111, the casual ocean-front dining destination located in the newly renovated Hyatt Santa Barbara has announced the addition of two new, limited time burgers, the “Juicy Lucy Burger” and the “Swag Burger.”

The “Juicy Lucy Burger” boasts a Meyer’s all-natural Angus patty stuffed with three slices of American cheese, placed on a toasted brioche bun with Bibb lettuce, vine ripe tomato, red onion jam, bread & butter pickles and topped off with creamy 1,000 island dressing for $15.

The “Swag Burger” features a Meyer’s all-natural patty mixed with bleu cheese, cream cheese, and bacon, and is served on a toasted brioche bun. The patty is topped with a slice of melted cheddar, caramelized onion, two strips of bacon, avocado, house-made tomato-jalapeno relish, Boston lettuce and a white truffle essence all for $16.

Chef Martin Alcala’s custom created burgers will be available until April 9 and patrons who order one will receive a draft beer for $1 with their order.

Considering that French restaurant Mimosa recently opened nearby at 714 State St. and that Pacific Crepes is just around the corner, it appears the 700 block of State St. is becoming our little French Quarter. This just in from reader Mike.

Hey John…

Heard that a Parisian pub / restaurant named Le Relais de Paris will be moving into the old Ruby’s at 734 State Street. They were passing out flyers with some info to downtown businesses today.

- Mike

A rumor running around town is that “Santa Barbara Cantina” will move into 416 State St., the current home of Sharkeez. Sharkeez is moving to 525 State St., the former home of Madison’s Grill & Tavern. As always, this rumor might be completely false or a brilliant forecast of future events. Your call.

Whenever I take a vacation, like I did the last 10 days or so in Colorado, the first thing I do when I get back is try to figure out what changes took place in the local dining scene while I was gone. To the best of my knowledge we had four restaurant openings recently:

1. La Arcada Bistro  1112 State St (formerly Cafe Shell) – March 11th
   
2. Jersey Mike’s 7034 Marketplace Dr, Goleta (formerly Sweet Alley) – March 14th
3. Presto Pasta 2830 De La Vina St – March 19th
4. Nardonne’s La Famiglia Pizzeria 17 W. Ortega St – March 21st

For the first time since 1972 Burger King is no longer the No. 2  burger chain behind No. 1 McDonald’s. Dave Thomas’s Wendy’s restaurants became the No. 2-selling hamburger chain in the country last year, pushing Burger King back to the No. 3 spot. In a side note related to the payment system most restaurants accept, for the first time in 50 years MasterCard is no longer the No. 2 credit card, being surpassed in transaction volume by American Express. Visa remains No. 1.

Mimosa restaurant, which moved to State St. last November, is having a grand opening party this weekend:

Hi John,

We would like to announce Restaurant Mimosa’s Grand Opening of our State St. location, this coming weekend, March 23rd, 24th and 25th. We have a celebration menu planned for the occasion along with a Jazz Trio that will be performing both Friday and Saturday night starting at 7 pm. On Sunday the Jazz Trio will be here from 3pm to 5 pm and we will be serving our special menu that night as well. We invite our loyal regulars, along with anyone who would like to join in on the celebration to stop in and see what we are all about. Reservations are recommended by calling 963 2272.

Thank you,
Chris Melton
Restaurant Mimosa

The Restaurant Guy is away on vacation in Steamboat Springs, CO. Below is a photo I took today of the Steamboat ski resort on Mt. Werner. Winter weather has been perfect; think Santa Barbara with snow.

I am going skiing in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, starting tomorrow, so you won’t hear from me for a week or longer, except perhaps for a few photos from the snow. See you soon!

If you have a suggestion please leave a message in the blog.

Restaurant Guy:

Help! Desperately seeking a great hot fudge sundae in SB. We need an alternative to McConnell’s and the other sites I have tried on your site’s dessert page.

Pls advise some choices for a hot fudge Sundae – shop or restaurant setting is OK. Quality is important.

Tks,
J

This is an update to a September 6, 2011 blog. I received a tip that Crushcakes & Cafe and Pizza My Heart will be coming to a new housing and retail development called “The Loop” at 6533 Trigo Rd in Isla Vista. Here is information currently posted at theloopiv.com:

• “We are excited to announce Crushcakes & Cafe at the LOOP. Crushcakes & Cafe offers customers the fresh and local menu items and bake all goodies from scratch and with love in their kitchens. With their organic scrambles, breakfast burritos, homemade granola, soups, paninis, fresh salads, muffins, scones, cookies and cupcakes– Crushcakes has what you have been craving. And Crushcakes & Cafe is the only cafe serving Intelligentsia coffee and espresso drinks in the 805! So come visit, hang out and get comfortable at Crushcakes, Isla Vista.”
• “Pizza my Heart was founded in Capitola Beach in 1981 and are proud to open our newest location at the LOOP. Fresh, hand tossed pizza, the best ingredients we can find, and customers who tell us every day that when we make a great pizza – They Like it Like That. We are family owned and have no plans to franchise or sell out. We are committed to serving the best pizza in California and we believe that staying family owned is the only way to do that. We open a few new restaurants each year to serve a few more customers.”

If you have a suggestion please leave a message in the blog.

Hello John,

My fiance and I are getting married in April. We are eloping to Santa Barbara and getting married at sunset on the beach. We would like to go to dinner afterwards to celebrate and need a few recommendations. We are an older couple (40/50) and looking for a cozy romantic restaurant  that might have a piano bar or even a small dance floor…. we are not looking for a bar scene or nightclub… anyway if you have any suggestions we would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!!
Jennifer

Reader Art and reader Kim let me know that bakery Montecito Confections has completed their move from Yanonali St to 1150 Coast Village Rd, the former home of Whodidily.

Owner/chef Jeff Snyder sent me an email letting me know that his new restaurant Pace at 413 State St (formerly Momma Donna’s) opened on Wednesday February 29th.

Our family is blessed to be here in Santa Barbara. Our goal is to build a local hangout that features local artwork on our walls, local music in the evenings, and a locally sourced changing menu that will feature quality ingredients at a reasonable price, as well as local wines and beers. We look forward to becoming a place that you too will call home.
- Jeff Snyder

Here is an official press-release from the new Jersey Mike’s opening March 14th in Goleta:

EAST COAST SUB SENSATION OPENS FIRST LOCATION IN GOLETA

Owners Celebrate Grand Opening with Free Subs

GOLETA, Calif., March 8, 2012 – Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled East Coast-style subs, will officially open its doors in Goleta on March 14.  Franchise owners Dawn and Troy Robinson will hold a grand opening and free sub fundraiser from Wed., March 14 to Sun., March 18 to support the Dos Pueblos High School Athletics Program.

The new restaurant, located at 7034 Marketplace Drive, will circulate 10,000 coupons throughout the community and school system offering a free regular sub for a minimum $1 contribution to Dos Pueblos Athletics Program.

“We partnered with our local high school’s athletics program because it is almost entirely funded by parent contributions and team fundraisers,” said Dawn Robinson.  “Through fundraising alone, the program must cover the costs of athlete’s transportation, equipment, supplies, officials, uniforms, and tournament fees.”
Started at the Jersey Shore in 1956, Jersey Mike’s continued its steady growth in 2011 opening 69 new restaurants throughout the country, a 15 percent increase overall.  The popular sub shop wins best sub awards in virtually every market it enters.

Dawn and Troy Robinson exemplify Jersey Mike’s quest for excellence as it selects franchise owners who share the company’s commitment to quality products and exceptional customer service and who are dedicated to giving back to the local community.  In 2011, locations throughout the country raised more than $2 million for worthy local charities and distributed more than 100,000 free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes.

“This opportunity to support any organization allowed us to choose a program in need on a local level,” said Troy Robinson. “Giving back is what we love to do as owners; we are incredibly blessed to have these opportunities with Jersey Mike’s.”
Passionate Jersey Mike’s fans crave their subs made Mike’s Way™ with onions, lettuce, tomatoes and a signature blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar and spices.  The company uses only private labeled meats and cheeses that are sliced fresh for each sub sandwich and piled high on in-store baked bread.  Everything is quickly made to order for each customer, just the way the first subs were made at the original Jersey Mike’s more than fifty years ago.  The Jersey Mike’s experience always includes its trademark neighborly banter served up by a high-energy Jersey Mike’s team.

This is the third Jersey Mike’s location for the Robinsons.  In November 2006, they opened their first Jersey Mike’s location in Camarillo followed by a location in Moorpark in November 2008. The Robinson’s history with Jersey Mike’s extends much further than their seven years as store franchise owners. “My parents were New Jersey natives who moved to California in the 50′s,” said Dawn Robinson.  “Whenever my family visited New Jersey, they would return with a suitcase they deemed ‘The Sub Suitcase,’ loaded with authentic sub sandwiches from Jersey Mike’s.  When I learned a few years ago that the little New Jersey shop had turned into a growing national franchise, I finally gave the 41-year old suitcase a prominent place to rest – in my own Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurant.”
Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. You can contact this store directly at (805) 685-1122.

Jersey Mike’s, a sub sandwich franchise with more than 600 stores open and under development nationwide, has a long history of community involvement and support.  Started at the Jersey Shore in 1956, Jersey Mike’s serves authentic East Coast-style subs on fresh baked bread – the same recipe it started with over 50 years ago.  The company’s mission is to bring its customers the highest quality, freshest made sub in the industry and give back to the communities in which it operates. A store locator and franchise information for Jersey Mike’s can be found at www.jerseymikes.com.

Celebrating the opening of the latest Jersey Mike’s in Goleta are (left to right) John Nowlin, assistant manager, restaurant owners Troy and Dawn Robinson and  Jeff Carlson, manager. The team stands beneath a 41-year old “sub suitcase” which Dawn’s parents used to transport authentic Jersey Mike’s Subs from their native New Jersey back to California, before it became a growing national franchise. Dawn eventually retired the suitcase to a shelf in her own Jersey Mike’s franchise.

If you have a suggestion please leave a message in the blog.

Hello,

Do you know if there will be another location for Elements Restaurant? My kids bought their dad a $100.00 gift certificate for Elements. We were so looking forward to going there, to find out they have closed! Or does the owner of Elements own any other SB restaurant…maybe they will honor this gift certificate? I will appreciate your reply.

Sincerely,
Gail

The Oreo cookie is celebrating its 100th birthday today. The first Oreo cookie was made on March 6th, 1912 at Nabisco’s Chelsea factory in New York City.

Fun Facts from Kraft Foods:

• 100th Birthday: March 6, 2012
• Birth year: 1912 — the same year the South Pole was discovered, and the Titanic sank.
• First sale: The first Oreo cookie was sold in Hoboken, NJ, where Oreo was originally packaged in bulk tins and sold by weight. Back then, grocers paid USD $0.30 cents/lb for Oreo.
• Na-Bis-Co: Nabisco was originally the “National Biscuit Company”
• Namesakes: Oreo has a street named after it – Oreo Way – formerly known as West 15th Street between 9th & 10 Avenues in New York City where the first Oreo cookie was made at the original Nabisco bakery.
• Design: The first Oreo cookie was embossed with a thin wreath on the outer edge, with the Oreo name on the plain surface in the middle.
• Sales: Oreo is the world‟s favorite cookie and the best-selling cookie brand of the 21st century, with $1.5 billion in global annual revenues. Kraft Foods is the proud custodian of Oreo, and Oreo is one of the company‟s 12 “billion-dollar” brands.
• Global Reach: Oreo cookies can be found in more than 100 countries.
• Biggest Markets: Rank order based on 2010 data: U.S., China, Venezuela, Canada, Indonesia, Mexico, Spain, Central America and the Caribbean, UK and Argentina.
• Fastest Growing Markets: Rank order based on 2010 data: France (recently launched), Australia/New Zealand, Chile, China, Indonesia, Malaysia/Singapore, Taiwan, Morocco, Mexico and Hong Kong.
• Twist, Lick, Dunk Ritual: 50 percent of all Oreo eaters pull apart their cookies before eating, with women twisting them open more often than men.
• Bakeries: Kraft Foods is the world‟s largest biscuit baker. And Oreo is made at 21 bakeries around the world.
• Oreo fans: Oreo has a Facebook community of more than 23 million Oreo lovers around the globe, representing 200+ countries and dozens of different languages.

After intense concentration and a wave of my hand over the all-knowing Crystal Ball, my eatery oracle has revealed a list of locations appearing in your future:

• Arlington Tavern 21 W. Victoria St (formerly Epiphany)
• Ca Dario Pizzeria Victoria St
• Chick-Fil-A 3707 State St (currently Burger King)
• Chipotle 3851 State St  – spring
• Crushcakes & Café 6533 Trigo Rd, Isla Vista
• Eureka Burger 601 Paseo Nuevo (formerly Ruby’s Diner)
• Fresh & Easy 336 N. Milpas St
• Fresh & Easy 5955 Calle Real, Goleta
• Jersey Mike’s 7034 Marketplace Dr, Goleta (formerly Sweet Alley) – March 14th
• Maggies 1201 State St (formerly State & A) – early summer
• Mullaney’s 22 W. Montecito St
• Nardonne’s La Famiglia Pizzeria 17 W. Ortega St – March
• Pace 413 State St (formerly Momma Donna’s)
• Pickle and Swiss somewhere in Paseo Nuevo
• Pizza My Heart 6533 Trigo Rd, Isla Vista
• Presto Pasta 2830 De La Vina St – March 19th
• Sharkeez 525 State St (currently Madison’s) - March
• Ty’s Café 9 Breakwater (formerly Minnow Café) – spring
• Unknown 416 State St (currently Sharkeez which is moving to 525 State St)
• Unknown 2375 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos (formerly Sidestreet Café)

• Crushcakes & Café 6533 Trigo Rd, Isla Vista

This Saturday, March 10th, 7-10 p.m. the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center will be holding their annual Chocolate de Vine fundraiser at The Music Academy of the West 1070 Fairway Rd in Montecito. VIP reception begins at 6 p.m. General admission tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by calling 805-963-6832 or online sbrapecrisiscenter.org.

I was contacted by Jersey Mike’s sub sandwich shop and have been told that they will open their new Camino Real Marketplace location next Wednesday, March 14th. They will be taking over the spot previously occupied by Sweet Alley. Hours are 10:00am – 9:00pm everyday.  Here is a press-release I received about the owners of the local Jersey Mike’s franchise:

Jersey owner’s Dawn and Troy will celebrate the opening of their third Jersey Mike’s shop at the Camino Real Marketplace.  They opened their first in Dawn’s home town of Camarillo in November 2006, then Moorpark 2008.

For Dawn her connection with Jersey Mike’s goes way back to childhood.  Her parents were New Jersey natives who moved to California in the 50′s.  Whenever her parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles would visit back home, they would return with a suitcase they called, “the sub suitcase”, loaded with sub sandwiches found only in a particular small sub sandwich shop in Point Pleasant, New Jersey.

When Dawn learned a few years ago that the little New Jersey shop had turned into a national franchise, she told her husband, Troy, they had to own one.  Dawn and Troy did just that.  And gave the 41 year old suitcase a prominent place to rest, at their first Jersey Mike’s store in Camarillo, atop a shelf for all to see and read her amazing story, “Journey of a Suitcase”.

Jersey Mike’s, a sub sandwich franchise with more than 500 stores open and under development nationwide, has a long history of community involvement and support.  Started at the Jersey Shore in 1956.  Jersey Mike’s serves authentic Northeast style subs on fresh baked bread – the same recipe it started with over 55 years ago.  The company’s mission is to bring its customers the highest quality, freshest made sub in the industry and give back to the communities in which it operates.

Savoy Cafe & Deli at 24 W. Figueroa St. was recently filmed for the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives show. Reader Steve tells me that they are having a party open to the public tonight (March 5th) starting at 7pm. The episode airs tonight at 10pm.

As mentioned in the column last August 25th, Presto Pasta, located at 827 E. Montecito St., plans to open a second location at 2830 De la Vina St. This is the old pet store on the end cap of the strip side of the Ralph’s center.

I called the restaurant today and was told the opening is currently set for March 19th.

Panda Express (represented locally at 605 Paseo Nuevo, 3849 State St, 131 N. Fairview Ave in Goleta and the UCen at UCSB) is testing a new “Paw Plate” offering at 56 stores, including Santa Barbara. Here is a press-release I received about it:

Panda Express Tests New PAW PLATE Offering

ROSEMEAD, Calif. – Guests at select Panda Express locations will experience a new and revolutionary way of dining during a market test in March, where the nation’s leader in Asian dining experiences will replace its traditional two item plate with the newly designed “Paw Plate.” Designed to provide guests with  more variety than ever, and to resemble a Panda Paw, the Paw Plate has three compartments for entrées and one compartment for sides. It is recyclable, microwavable, dishwasher safe, and offers more variety by letting guests choose three medium-sized entrees instead of the traditional two large entrees. The new Paw Plate further reduces waste as it can be used for dine-in and a specially designed lid snaps on for take-out use.

“Asian meals are traditionally eaten family style, where each person can select from a variety of entrees.  Panda’s new Paw Plate is meant to give our guests this experience by offering them more entrée choices while they still receive the same quantity of food,” said Glenn Lunde, Panda Express Chief Marketing Officer.  “The new Paw Plate will give our guests more opportunities to enjoy their favorite Panda dishes or give them room to try new ones, all at the same price. We believe it is a win-win.”

The concept begins testing in 56 stores on March 7 in Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, Calif., Spokane Wash., Indianapolis, Ind., Yakima, Wash., and Columbus OH.

In addition to the new Paw Plate  Panda Express is testing a Panda Bowl that offers two entrées instead of just one. This new bowl is another chance for customers to experience more flavors and options and will be available for the same price.

Here is an update about Nardonne’s La Famiglia Pizzeria coming to 17 W. Ortega St:

Nardonne’s will be open in the next couple weeks at Ortega Street. There were holdups due to the building being to code. It will definitely be worth the wait. Hope to see you there soon. Thank you. I am one of the original family member owners and my brother is opening the store in Santa Barbara.

- John Dougherty

Today I added Panera Bread at 3851 State St. to the restaurant guide. Hours are Mon-Sat 6am-9pm, Sun 7am-9pm. For more information call (805) 687-7600 or visit panerabread.com.

This just in from Italia Pizza & Pasta at 149 N. Fairview Ave in Goleta:

John,

Italia Pizza & Pasta is now delivering hand tossed pizza, homemade Italian entrees, desserts and sandwiches to the Goleta area. Our delivery area will expand in-time but is daily from 5pm to close.

We finally completed our state of the art “Online Ordering” website which is directly integrated with our point of sale system and the customer can verify their address through our relationship with Google.  On the go and have a smart phone?  The website is optimized for mobile platform and can order food with ease as the navigation process has been simplified. No app required.  So far since the implementation, our customers like the ability to pay online, pick it up and go, and now delivered!

After extensive tastings, our wine menu is complete.  Careful consideration was given to price point and finding quality wines that would compliment our menu.  Italia was the first to add Firestone’s re-branded beer “805″ in the Goleta area during our SuperBowl party and has been well accepted by customers into our beer line-up. Be sure to check out our website at www.italiapizzapasta and take it for a spin!

Best Regards,

Andre Neumann
General Manager
Italia Pizza & Pasta

Savoy Cafe & Deli at 24 W. Figueroa St. was recently filmed for the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives show. They’re having a party to celebrate the premiere on Monday, March 5 at 10pm (see photo) with live music and specials. Thanks to reader Steve for the tip!

Cafe Luck at 18 E. Cota St., which closed last September then reopened earlier this month, has changed its name to The Pan. I called the eatery and confirmed that their voice mail is now using the new name.

Here are pictures from last night’s grand opening party at Cielito restaurant 1114 State St. Cielito opened in January.

Here is a list of local food & drink destinations that have closed in the last year:

• February 2012: Elements Restaurant & Bar 129 E. Anapamu St; Madison’s Grill & Tavern 525 State St
• January 2012: Kobachi Izakaya Dining 4141 State St; Rudy’s 811 State; Saigon 318 N. Milpas St; Spiritland Bistro 230 E. Victoria St; TonyRay’s 731 De la Guerra Plaza
• December 2011: Baja Fresh 3851 State St; Cafe Zoma 7127 Hollister Ave, Goleta; Momma Donna’s 413 State St; Whodidily 1150 Coast Village Rd, Montecito
• November 2011: Deli Planet 5599 Hollister Ave, Goleta; Jade 3132 State St; Sweet Alley 7034 Marketplace Dr, Goleta; Thai on a Truck (Mobile)
• October 2011: Mimosa 2700 De La Vina St (moved to 714 State St); Minnow Cafe 9 Breakwater; Piatti 516 San Ysidro Rd, Montecito; Woody’s Roundup at Earl Warren 3400 Calle Real
• September 2011: Cafe Luck 18 E. Cota St (reopened February 2012)
• August 2011: Chilitos at the UCSB UCen; Culture Shock (food truck); Flaming Grill 6558 Pardall Rd, Isla Vista; Gaucho Café at the UCSB UCen; Jeannine’s Bakery inside Gelson’s Market; Overlook Café at SB Airport; Wendy’s at the UCSB UCen
• July 2011: Mika 7020 Camino Real Marketplace, Goleta (changed name to Sushi Ai which is now open, same owners as Mika)
• June 2011: Arturo’s Taqueria 226 S. Milpas St; HobNob Tavern 21 W. Victoria St; Little Asia 6527 Madrid Rd, Isla Vista; Pizza by the Slice 4 W. De La Guerra St; Ruth’s Chris Steak House 3815 State St; Sweet Tooth 6549 Pardall Rd, Isla Vista
• May 2011: El Buen Gusto at 4835 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria; European Deli 149 N. Fairview Ave, Goleta; Tepeyac Taquitos 201 W Carrillo St; Seattle’s Best inside Borders 7000 Camino Real Marketplace, Goleta; Timbers 10 Winchester Canyon Rd, Goleta;
• April 2011: Boca De Rio 326 N. Milpas St (reopened at 318 N. Milpas St); Square One 14 E. Cota St; State & A Bar and Grill 1201 State St; Whodidily 811 State St
• March 2011: Cafe Buenos Aires 1316 State St; Zia Cafe 532 State St

Recipes Bakery at 604 Santa Barbara St is having their grand opening party and ribbon-cutting ceremony this Thursday March 1st, 5-7 p.m. Enjoy food samples, raffle prizes and a tour of the bakery. All are welcome.

It might be time to start stocking up on Twinkies, Ho Ho’s, Suzy Q’s, Ding Dong’s and Wonder Bread because Hostess Brands has filed for bankruptcy. Though it is always possible this could be junk food Armageddon, I wouldn’t be surprised if a snack conglomerate such as Nestle, Tyson, Pepsico or Kraft gobbled them up.

Panera Bread emailed me their official press-release this morning about the opening of their new Santa Barbara location at 3851 State St. this Saturday:

PANERA BREAD OPENS FIRST SANTA BARBARA LOCATION WITH THE HELP OF ELITE GROUP OF ATHLETE PARTNERS

Former and Current NFL Players Keyshawn Johnson, Reggie Bush, Dennis Northcutt, Anthony Henry and Terence Newman Continue Panera’s expansion with first location in Santa Barbara, Seventh Along Central Coast

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (February 27, 2012) – Panera Bread will open its first Santa Barbara bakery-café on Saturday, March 3, co-owned by former USC All-American and NFL football star, and current ESPN broadcaster Keyshawn Johnson.  The newest bakery-café is located in La Cumbre Plaza at 3851 State Street in Santa Barbara, CA. This is the seventh location to open in the Central Coast area.

With its identity rooted in handcrafted, freshly-baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust.  Highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients and a menu with zero grams added trans-fat, Panera’s bakery-cafe selection offers flavorful, wholesome offerings.  The menu includes a variety of year-round favorites to complement seasonal items and breads baked fresh daily in each bakery-cafe by skilled bakers.  The new bakery-cafe offers a warm and welcoming environment including intimate seating areas, comfortable chairs, a community table and free WiFi Internet access.

“Panera Bread is a brand that fits so well with the California life style. Good food, great ingredients, exceptional customer service in a relaxed atmosphere. You can’t get more “California” than that, said Keyshawn Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, First Picks Management LLC, a Panera Bread Area Developer and franchisee.  “I’m from here and this is my home….I feel like I know what people here are looking for on an everyday basis and Panera Bread meets that need.” Johnson loves what the brand represents, and it doesn’t hurt that it has been one of the top performing restaurant stocks and industry leaders for the past several years.

Johnson, who recruited fellow NFL teammates, an NBA player and some USC Alumni along the way to strengthen his bench and further propel the company’s growth, is especially proud to contribute to the economic vitality within the area. A new Panera Bread typically creates 50 to75 new jobs within the communities they serve.

That aspect of the business is especially gratifying to First Picks Member Dennis Northcutt, Former NFL wide receiver. “Investing in Panera Bread is not only a solid investment for me, it’s also something I can be proud of. We create new jobs and opportunities from the start of construction all the way to the opening of the doors. It’s great to see that energy along with the enthusiasm of so many young people who are working in a cafe that I helped to develop.”

Other First Picks investors include: Terence Newman, Warrick Dunn, Eric Allen, Reggie Bush, Anthony Henry, Keith Rivers, Corey Ivy, and Joe Smith.  First Picks management team is Clarence Mah, Chief Financial Officer, Glenn Mah, Chief Operations Officer and Ingrid Roberts, Managing Director. The group currently owns franchise rights for the Central Coast and Metro Los Angeles.

Panera Bread Santa Barbara is committed to serving the community through its participation in two charitable programs.  Through the Day End Dough-Nation™ program, unsold bakery products are donated to the Food Bank of Santa Barbara.  Additionally it will support the Community Breadbox™ program which ensures that donations made at Panera Bread support the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties, which First Picks matches by 50 percent.

For its VIP invitation-only opening party on March 2, the bakery-cafe will hold a silent auction to benefit the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation (DSLRF), formerly the Santa Barbara Breast Cancer Institute.  DSLRF’s mission is to eradicate breast cancer and improve the quality of women’s health through innovative research, education, and advocacy.   Through its Army of Women Program, the Foundation has over 360,000 volunteers nationwide who are challenging and shifting the breast cancer research community to focus finding the causes of breast cancer and the ways to prevent it, with the ultimate goal of eradicating the disease within our lifetime.  With its roots firmly tied to the Santa Barbara community, the Foundation has become nationally recognized as an arbiter of innovation, education and excellence within the field of breast cancer research.

“This past year we were Panera’s Pink Ribbon Bagel partner, it’s month long program in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” said Dr. Susan Love, president of the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation.  “The support we have received from Panera Bread has been invaluable in helping raise money for our cause and we are pleased they selected us to be the beneficiary of cookie sales for its first week of opening.”

In partnership with 805 Living and Bridlewood Estate Winery, the grand opening event will feature selections of the bakery-café menu paired with Bridlewood wine. Johnson and a number of his partners will be in attendance for the opening celebration (by invitation only).  They are also available for interviews. The bakery-café will open at 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, and regular hours are Monday-Saturday 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

If you have a suggestion please leave a message in the blog.

Hey John,
Can you please ask your followers, via Question of the Day, if anyone has goose on their menu seasonally or otherwise?
Thanks, Mike

Reader Steve let me know that IHOP restaurants (represented locally at 1701 State St., 4765 Calle Real in Goleta and 1114 Casitas Pass Rd in Carpinteria) are serving free pancakes on Tuesday February 28th. They give you pancakes, and you are invited to make a donation to charity in return. For details visit ihoppancakeday.com.

Reader Steve says a sign indicating that “Elevations Wine Bar” is coming soon has appeared in the window at 26 E. Ortega, next to Seagrass restaurant.

Reader Devon let me know that Sunday February 26th is the last day of business for Elements Restaurant & Bar 129 E. Anapamu St. in downtown Santa Barbara. I called the restaurant, which first opened 7 years ago, and they confirmed the story.

Today I added 5 restaurants to the guide:

• Cuernavaca Taqueria – 201 W Carrillo St, Santa Barbara
• Root 217 – At the UCen on the UCSB Campus
• Subway – At the UCen on the UCSB Campus
• Wahoo’s Fish Taco – At the UCen on the UCSB Campus
• Wurst 20 E. Cota St, Santa Barbara

While visiting Wahoo’s Fish Taco at UCSB I ran into Jeff Lauer, owner of Wahoo’s Fish Taco at 511 State St. He was working hard at the cash register trying to feed a long line of hungry students.

Today I saw a sign at Panera Bread 3851 State St. that says their grand opening is Saturday March 3rd. I have followed the pending arrival of Panera Bread longer than any other restaurant mentioned in this column: 2 years and 21 days as of today (24 news stories).

Today I added photos, a phone number and business hours to the SantaBarbara.com Restaurant Guide page dedicated to the new Carrillo St. Starbucks. I was surprised to learn that they open at 4:30am which might be an early-bird record for local eateries that aren’t open 24/7. I also changed the address from 210 W. Carrillo to 208 W. Carrillo. When Carrows occupied the entire building it was designated 210 W. Carrillo St. Starbucks occupies just the east end of the building and apparently was assigned a new address.

I also added a menu for Recipes Bakery at 604 Santa Barbara St. and updated their phone number.

When I stopped by the new 208 Carrillo St. Starbucks to get information & photos I took a look at the west end of the same building, rumored to be the future home of Jamba Juice and a sushi restaurant. Seeing that the building has been stripped clean on the inside, whoever ends up there won’t be arriving for quite awhile. The Carrillo St. building is the former home of Carrows restaurant.

Boca de Rio Mexican restaurant has reopened at 318 N. Milpas St., the former home of Saigon Vietnamese restaurant which closed in January. Boca de Rio used to be just down the street at 326 N. Milpas St. but moved locations to make room for Fresh & Easy market (under construction) which is replacing several Milpas businesses.

I scanned their menu using the Scanner Pro app on my iPhone 4S. The menu picture quality is not as high as when I use a real scanner at home but the app allows me to create a .PDF file of the menu on-site which greatly increases the odds I will actually get the job done before procrastination takes over.

On February 12, 2010 I first reported that Fresh & Easy is coming to 336 N. Milpas St. Here is a picture I took the other day of the construction in progress.

If you have a suggestion please leave a message in the blog.

John,

Every year we have a luncheon for between 35 – 40 people in a different restaurant, we like places that have a friendly atmosphere and make the group feel they are experiencing something special.  Examples of restaurants we have used in the past are Downey’s, Bouchon, the Museum Café, Ruth Chris Steakhouse and the Santa Barbara Yacht Club.

We would very much appreciate any suggestions you may have in our search!

- Penelope

Petrini’s restaurant at 5711 Calle Real in Goleta is having their 2nd annual Recipe Challenge on Wednesday, March 14 at 6:00 p.m. I was a judge for this event last year.

Enter your favorite pizza or pasta recipe and the winner will have their name and dish placed on the Petrini’s menu for a year. The winner also gets to eat the dish free for one year and will be featured in a Petrini’s television ad. Entries must be received by March 5th. To enter send your recipe via email to joe@petrinis.com or mail it to Goleta Petrini’s. Join celebrity judges on March 14th at Petrini’s Goleta and taste all the final entries and vote for your favorite recipe.

If you know the answer to reader Amberly’s question please leave a message in the blog.

Hi John,

I am a UCSB grad (2008) and longtime reader who now resides in Orange County.  My boyfriend and I are coming up for the weekend, and we are looking for restaurants that have low (or better yet no) corkage fees.  Any ideas come to mind?

Thanks!
Amberly